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Sunny SS, Lachova J, Kasparek P, Palkova M, Spoutil F, Prochazka J, Sedlacek R, Liskova P, Kozmik Z. Ovol2 promoter mutations in mice and human illuminate species-specific phenotypic divergence. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:491-500. [PMID: 37971355 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the highly conserved OVOL2 promoter region cause posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) 1 by inducing an ectopic expression of the endothelial OVOL2 mRNA. Here we produced an allelic series of Ovol2 promoter mutations in the mouse model including the heterozygous c.-307T>C variant (RefSeq NM_021220.4) causing PPCD1 in humans. Despite the high evolutionary conservation of the Ovol2 promoter, only some alterations of its sequence had phenotypic consequences in mice. Four independent sequence variants in the distal part of the Ovol2 promoter had no significant effect on endothelial Ovol2 mRNA level or caused any ocular phenotype. In contrast, the mutation c.-307T>C resulted in increased Ovol2 expression in the corneal endothelium. However, only a small fraction of adult mice c.-307T>C heterozygotes developed ocular phenotypes such as irido-corneal adhesions, and corneal opacity. Interestingly, phenotypic penetrance was increased at embryonic stages. Notably, c.-307T>C mutation is located next to the Ovol1/Ovol2 transcription factor binding site. Mice carrying an allele with a deletion encompassing the Ovol2 binding site c.-307_-320del showed significant Ovol2 gene upregulation in the cornea endothelium and exhibited phenotypes similar to the c.-307T>C mutation. In conclusion, although the mutations c.-307T>C and -307_-320del lead to a comparably strong increase in endothelial Ovol2 expression as seen in PPCD1 patients, endothelial dystrophy was not observed in the mouse model, implicating species-specific differences in endothelial cell biology. Nonetheless, the emergence of dominant ocular phenotypes associated with Ovol2 promoter variants in mice implies a potential role of this gene in eye development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweetu Susan Sunny
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Lachova
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kasparek
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, 513 Parnassus Avenue, CA 94158, San Francisco, United States
| | - Marcela Palkova
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics and Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, Prumyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Spoutil
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics and Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, Prumyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Prochazka
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics and Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, Prumyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics and Laboratory of Transgenic Models of Diseases, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CAS, Prumyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 121 08, Prague 2, Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Prague, Czech Republic
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Heide S, Argilli E, Valence S, Boutaud L, Roux N, Mignot C, Nava C, Keren B, Giraudat K, Faudet A, Gerasimenko A, Garel C, Blondiaux E, Rastetter A, Grevent D, Le C, Mackenzie L, Richards L, Attié-Bitach T, Depienne C, Sherr E, Héron D. Loss-of-function variants in ZEB1 cause dominant anomalies of the corpus callosum with favourable cognitive prognosis. J Med Genet 2024; 61:244-249. [PMID: 37857482 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurodevelopmental prognosis of anomalies of the corpus callosum (ACC), one of the most frequent brain malformations, varies extremely, ranging from normal development to profound intellectual disability (ID). Numerous genes are known to cause syndromic ACC with ID, whereas the genetics of ACC without ID remains poorly deciphered. METHODS Through a collaborative work, we describe here ZEB1, a gene previously involved in an ophthalmological condition called type 3 posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, as a new dominant gene of ACC. We report a series of nine individuals with ACC (including three fetuses terminated due to ACC) carrying a ZEB1 heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variant, identified by exome sequencing. RESULTS In five cases, the variant was inherited from a parent with a normal corpus callosum, which illustrates the incomplete penetrance of ACC in individuals with an LoF in ZEB1. All patients reported normal schooling and none of them had ID. Neuropsychological assessment in six patients showed either normal functioning or heterogeneous cognition. Moreover, two patients had a bicornuate uterus, three had a cardiovascular anomaly and four had macrocephaly at birth, which suggests a larger spectrum of malformations related to ZEB1. CONCLUSION This study shows ZEB1 LoF variants cause dominantly inherited ACC without ID and extends the extraocular phenotype related to this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Heide
- Department of Genetics and Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, 75013, France, Paris, France
| | - Emanuela Argilli
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco Division of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stéphanie Valence
- Department of Neuropediatry & Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hopital Armand-Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Boutaud
- Genomic medicine of rare diseases, UF MP5, Hopital universitaire Necker-enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Roux
- Genomic medicine of rare diseases, UF MP5, Hopital universitaire Necker-enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cyril Mignot
- Department of Genetics and Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, 75013, France, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nava
- Department of Genetics, Unit of Developmental Genomics, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Boris Keren
- Department of Genetics, Unit of Developmental Genomics, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Kim Giraudat
- Department of Neuropediatry & Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hopital Armand-Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Anne Faudet
- Department of Genetics and Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, 75013, France, Paris, France
| | - Anna Gerasimenko
- Department of Genetics and Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, 75013, France, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Garel
- Department of pediatric and prenatal imaging, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Eleonore Blondiaux
- Department of pediatric and prenatal imaging, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Agnès Rastetter
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM Institut du Cerveau), Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - David Grevent
- Radiology Department, Hopital universitaire Necker-enfants Malades, Paris, France
- EA fetus 7328 and LUMIERE Platform, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Carolyn Le
- Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa Mackenzie
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Linda Richards
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tania Attié-Bitach
- Genomic medicine of rare diseases, UF MP5, Hopital universitaire Necker-enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Universitu Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elliott Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco Division of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Delphine Héron
- Department of Genetics and Referral Center for Intellectual disabilities of rare causes, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, 75013, France, Paris, France
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Tsedilina TR, Sharova E, Iakovets V, Skorodumova LO. Systematic review of SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 variants in the development of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1153122. [PMID: 37441688 PMCID: PMC10333596 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1153122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathogenic role of variants in TCF4 and COL8A2 in causing Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is not controversial and has been confirmed by numerous studies. The causal role of other genes, SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1, which have been reported to be associated with FECD, is more complicated and less obvious. We performed a systematic review of the variants in the above-mentioned genes in FECD cases, taking into account the currently available population frequency information, transcriptomic data, and the results of functional studies to assess their pathogenicity. Methods Search for articles published in 2005-2022 was performed manually between July 2022 and February 2023. We searched for original research articles in peer-reviewed journals, written in English. Variants in the genes of interest identified in patients with FECD were extracted for the analysis. We classified each presented variant by pathogenicity status according to the ACMG criteria implemented in the Varsome tool. Diagnosis, segregation data, presence of affected relatives, functional analysis results, and gene expression in the corneal endothelium were taken into account. Data on the expression of genes of interest in the corneal endothelium were extracted from articles in which transcriptome analysis was performed. The identification of at least one variant in a gene classified as pathogenic or significantly associated with FECD was required to confirm the causal role of the gene in FECD. Results The analysis included 34 articles with 102 unique ZEB1 variants, 20 articles with 64 SLC4A11 variants, six articles with 26 LOXHD1 variants, and five articles with four AGBL1 variants. Pathogenic status was confirmed for seven SLC4A11 variants found in FECD. No variants in ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 genes were classified as pathogenic for FECD. According to the transcriptome data, AGBL1 and LOXHD1 were not expressed in the corneal endothelium. Functional evidence for the association of LOXHD1, and AGBL1 with FECD was conflicting. Conclusion Our analysis confirmed the causal role of SLC4A11 variants in the development of FECD. The causal role of ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 variants in FECD has not been confirmed. Further evidence from familial cases and functional analysis is needed to confirm their causal roles in FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Romanovna Tsedilina
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Sharova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeriia Iakovets
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Olegovna Skorodumova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
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Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy in a Patient with a Novel ZEB1 Gene Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010209. [PMID: 36613650 PMCID: PMC9820445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), a rare, bilateral, autosomal-dominant, inherited corneal dystrophy, affects the Descemet membrane and corneal endothelium. We describe an unusual presentation of PPCD associated with a previously unknown genetic alteration in the ZEB1 gene. The proband is a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with keratoconus referred for a corneal endothelium study who presented endothelial lesions in both eyes suggestive of PPCD, corectopia and iridocorneal endothelial synechiae in the right eye and intrastromal segments in the left eye. The endothelial count was 825 in the right eye and 1361 in the left eye, with typical PPCD lesions visible under specular and confocal microscopy. In the next generation sequencing genetic analysis, a heterozygous c.1A > C (p.Met1Leu) mutation was found in the ZEB1 gene (TCF8). The PPCD3 subtype is associated with corneal ectasia, and both can appear due to a pathogenic mutation in the ZEB1 gene (OMIM #189909). However, our patient had a previously unreported mutation in the ZEB1 gene, which mediates the transition between cell lines and provides a pathogenic explanation for the epithelialisation of the corneal endothelium, a characteristic of PPCD.
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Skalicka P, Jedlickova J, Horinek A, Trkova M, Davidson AE, Tuft SJ, Dudakova L, Liskova P. Snail Track Lesion with Flat Keratometry in Anterior Segment Dysgenesis Caused by a Novel FOXC1 Variant. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175166. [PMID: 36079096 PMCID: PMC9457150 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the phenotype of a 15-year-old female patient with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) caused by a novel heterozygous loss-of-function FOXC1 variant. The proband underwent an ophthalmic examination as well as a molecular genetic investigation comprising exome sequencing, a single nucleotide polymorphism array to access copy number and Sanger sequencing to exclude non-coding causal variants. There was bilateral mild iris hypoplasia with pupil deformation and iridocorneal adhesions. In addition to these features of ASD, the corneas were flat, with mean keratometry readings of 38.8 diopters in the right eye and 39.5 diopters in the left eye. There was a snail track lesion of the left cornea at the level of the Descemet membrane. The central corneal endothelial cell density was reduced bilaterally at 1964 and 1373 cells/mm2 in the right and left eyes, respectively. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the proband was a carrier of a novel heterozygous frameshifting variant in FOXC1, c.605del p.(Pro202Argfs*113). Neither parent had this change, suggesting a de novo origin which was supported by paternity testing. We found no possibly pathogenic variants in the other genes associated with posterior corneal dystrophies or ASD. Further studies are warranted to verify whether there is a true association between snail track lesions, corneal flattening, and pathogenic variants in FOXC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Skalicka
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Jedlickova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Horinek
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Stephen J. Tuft
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Lubica Dudakova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-224-967-139
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Kannabiran C, Chaurasia S, Ramappa M, Mootha VV. Update on the genetics of corneal endothelial dystrophies. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2239-2248. [PMID: 35791103 PMCID: PMC9426112 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_992_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with different modes of inheritance and genetic basis for each dystrophy. The genes associated with these diseases encode transcription factors, structural components of the stroma and Descemet membrane, cell transport proteins, and others. Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is associated with mutations in two genes, OVOL2 and SLC4A11, for dominant and recessive forms of CHED, respectively. Mutations in three genes are known to cause posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). They are OVOL2 (PPCD1), ZEB1 (PPCD3), and GRHL1 (PPCD4). The PPCD2 locus involving the collagen gene COL8A2 on chromosome 1 is disputed due to insufficient evidence. Mutations in the COL8A2 gene are associated with early-onset Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Several genes have been associated with the more common, late-onset FECD. Alterations in each of these genes occur in a fraction of patients, and the most prevalent genetic alteration in FECD patients across the world is a triplet repeat expansion in the TCF4 gene. Knowledge of the genetics of corneal endothelial dystrophies has considerably advanced within the last decade and has contributed to better diagnosis of these dystrophies as well as opened up the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches based on the molecular mechanisms involved. The functions of genes identified to date provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in each disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Kannabiran
- Kallam Anji Reddy Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Prof Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sunita Chaurasia
- Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics; The Cornea Institute; Jasti V Ramanamma Children's Eye Care Center, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Muralidhar Ramappa
- Centre for Rare Eye Diseases and Ocular Genetics; The Cornea Institute; Jasti V Ramanamma Children's Eye Care Center, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Overview of Congenital Corneal Opacities: Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2022; 62:1-13. [PMID: 34965222 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy in a Pediatric Population. Cornea 2021; 41:734-739. [PMID: 34469341 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and topographic features of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) in children aged 15 years or younger with a long-term follow-up. Retrospective case series. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with PPCD at Boston Children's Hospital from 1999 to 2020 was performed. Data collected included age at the time of diagnosis, slit lamp findings, cycloplegic refraction, best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, specular microscopy, and corneal topography findings whenever available. RESULTS Twenty-seven eyes of 19 patients were included (11 unilateral and 8 bilateral cases). Ten patients were girls (52.6%). Left eye was affected in 14 eyes. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 8.5 ± 3.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. In unilateral cases, there was a statistically significant difference in the endothelial cell density (P = 0.01), coefficient variation (P = 0.03), and hexagonality (P = 0.01) between the affected and the contralateral unaffected eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity at initial presentation was 0.8 ± 0.2 compared with 0.9 ± 0.08 in unaffected eyes (P = 0.04). The mean astigmatism was higher in the affected eye (+1.7 diopters) compared with (+1.00) the unaffected eye (P = 0.07). At initial presentation, 7 of 27 eyes had amblyopia, which resolved, either partially or completely, in 5 eyes after treatment. CONCLUSIONS PPCD can present early in children with astigmatism and anisometropic amblyopia. A careful slit lamp examination for children presenting with anisoastigmatism is necessary to diagnose PPCD. Contrary to adults, presentation is often unilateral. Such patients should be followed up regularly with cycloplegic retinoscopy to prevent and treat refractive amblyopia if present.
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c.-61G>A in OVOL2 is a Pathogenic 5' Untranslated Region Variant Causing Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy 1. Cornea 2021; 41:89-94. [PMID: 34469340 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and genetic features of a man and his daughter with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), referred to our clinic for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. No other known relatives were affected. METHODS Ophthalmic examination and histology, including electron microscopy, were performed. Genetic testing was conducted by means of whole exome sequencing, and variant analysis was achieved by using an internal in silico pipeline. Molecular tests included a dual-luciferase assay. RESULTS Slowly progressive blurred vision was reported from childhood by the daughter. The father's symptoms started at age 55. Best-corrected visual acuity was reduced in both patients (0.2-0.4). Slit-lamp examination in both patients revealed bilateral corneal clouding with gray endothelial lesions; other family members had no ophthalmological signs. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty was performed uneventfully in both patients. Histology showed thickened Descemet membrane and abnormal endothelium resembling epithelial-like cells. Both patients carried the OVOL2 5' untranslated region NM_021220.4.c.-61G>A variant in the heterozygous state. This change was associated with increased promoter activity and was not present in the unaffected members of the family. CONCLUSIONS The 5' untranslated region mutation c.-61G>A in OVOL2 has been previously found in 1 individual with PPCD1 and reported as a variant of unknown significance because of insufficient evidence supporting its pathogenicity. Identification of the second family with 2 individuals affected by PPCD1 carrying this change, together with functional data, provides further proofs that it is disease-causing.
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Dudakova L, Stranecky V, Piherova L, Palecek T, Pontikos N, Kmoch S, Skalicka P, Vaneckova M, Davidson AE, Liskova P. Non-Penetrance for Ocular Phenotype in Two Individuals Carrying Heterozygous Loss-of-Function ZEB1 Alleles. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050677. [PMID: 33946386 PMCID: PMC8146820 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
ZEB1 loss-of-function (LoF) alleles are known to cause a rare autosomal dominant disorder—posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 3 (PPCD3). To date, 50 pathogenic LoF variants have been identified as disease-causing and familial studies have indicated that the PPCD3 phenotype is penetrant in approximately 95% of carriers. In this study, we interrogated in-house exomes (n = 3616) and genomes (n = 88) for the presence of putative heterozygous LoF variants in ZEB1. Next, we performed detailed phenotyping in a father and his son who carried a novel LoF c.1279C>T; p.(Glu427*) variant in ZEB1 (NM_030751.6) absent from the gnomAD v.2.1.1 dataset. Ocular examination of the two subjects did not show any abnormalities characteristic of PPCD3. GnomAD (n = 141,456 subjects) was also interrogated for LoF ZEB1 variants, notably 8 distinct heterozygous changes presumed to lead to ZEB1 haploinsufficiency, not reported to be associated with PPCD3, have been identified. The NM_030751.6 transcript has a pLI score ≥ 0.99, indicating extreme intolerance to haploinsufficiency. In conclusion, ZEB1 LoF variants are present in a general population at an extremely low frequency. As PPCD3 can be asymptomatic, the true penetrance of ZEB1 LoF variants remains currently unknown but is likely to be lower than estimated by the familial led approaches adopted to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubica Dudakova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Viktor Stranecky
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Lenka Piherova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Tomas Palecek
- Second Department of Medicine—Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (N.P.); (A.E.D.)
| | - Stanislav Kmoch
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
| | - Pavlina Skalicka
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Manuela Vaneckova
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Katerinska 30, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Alice E. Davidson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (N.P.); (A.E.D.)
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic; (L.D.); (V.S.); (L.P.); (S.K.); (P.S.)
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; (N.P.); (A.E.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-22496-7139
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11
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Yang X, Li D, Tu C, He W, Meng L, Tan YQ, Lu G, Du J, Zhang Q. Novel variants of the PCCB gene in Chinese patients with propionic acidemia. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 519:18-25. [PMID: 33798502 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Propionic acidemia (PA) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase and mutations in the PCCA and PCCB genes. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics of individuals with PA and conducted genetic analyses to provide new genetic evidence for the diagnosis of PA. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing in four individuals with PA from three unrelated Chinese families. We also performed a structural analysis of the PCCB protein variants. Couples from the three families included in our study underwent in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing. RESULTS We found five variants of PCCB. These biallelic variants were inherited from heterozygous parental carriers and were located in the functional domain, absent in human population genome datasets, and predicted to be deleterious. These findings indicate that the variants might be responsible for the clinical features observed in these particular patients with PA. Through successful embryo transfer and implantation, one of the couples fortunately gave birth to a healthy child. CONCLUSION Overall, our study can expand the mutation spectrum of PCCB and provide useful information for the prenatal diagnosis of PA and genetic counseling for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Yang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongyan Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing He
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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12
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Genetics vs chronic corneal mechanical trauma in the etiology of keratoconus. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108328. [PMID: 33172608 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Both genetic and environmental factors have been considered to play a role in the etiology keratoconus. Eye rubbing, and more recently eye compression due to sleeping position, have been identified to be highly related to the condition, and are present in a high percentage of patients. Today, the predominant model is that these factors can provide the "second hit" necessary to generate the condition in a genetically susceptible individual. In addition, the extremely high prevalence in Arab populations, where endogamy could play a role, the high concordance rate in monozygotic twins, and the presence of family history of the condition between 5 and 23% of cases, support a genetic influence. Segregation analysis studies suggest that keratoconus is a complex non-Mendelian disease. Results from linkage analysis, next generation sequencing studies and genome-wide association studies also have suggested that genetic factors are involved in the condition. Recently, it has been proposed that mechanical trauma (i.e. eye rubbing or eye compression at night), is a sine quanon condition for the onset of keratoconus, and quite possibly its only cause. There are various arguments for and against this hypothesis. Indeed, it is possible, as initially suggested around 55 years ago, that the term "keratoconus" include diverse phenotypically similar conditions, which are actually of different etiology.
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13
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Carpinelli MR, de Vries ME, Auden A, Butt T, Deng Z, Partridge DD, Miles LB, Georgy SR, Haigh JJ, Darido C, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Dworkin S, Jane SM. Inactivation of Zeb1 in GRHL2-deficient mouse embryos rescues mid-gestation viability and secondary palate closure. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm.042218. [PMID: 32005677 PMCID: PMC7104862 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects resulting from failure of the facial processes to fuse during development. The mammalian grainyhead-like (Grhl1-3) genes play key roles in a number of tissue fusion processes including neurulation, epidermal wound healing and eyelid fusion. One family member, Grhl2, is expressed in the epithelial lining of the first pharyngeal arch in mice at embryonic day (E)10.5, prompting analysis of the role of this factor in palatogenesis. Grhl2-null mice die at E11.5 with neural tube defects and a cleft face phenotype, precluding analysis of palatal fusion at a later stage of development. However, in the first pharyngeal arch of Grhl2-null embryos, dysregulation of transcription factors that drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs. The aberrant expression of these genes is associated with a shift in RNA-splicing patterns that favours the generation of mesenchymal isoforms of numerous regulators. Driving the EMT perturbation is loss of expression of the EMT-suppressing transcription factors Ovol1 and Ovol2, which are direct GRHL2 targets. The expression of the miR-200 family of microRNAs, also GRHL2 targets, is similarly reduced, resulting in a 56-fold upregulation of Zeb1 expression, a major driver of mesenchymal cellular identity. The critical role of GRHL2 in mediating cleft palate in Zeb1−/− mice is evident, with rescue of both palatal and facial fusion seen in Grhl2−/−;Zeb1−/− embryos. These findings highlight the delicate balance between GRHL2/ZEB1 and epithelial/mesenchymal cellular identity that is essential for normal closure of the palate and face. Perturbation of this pathway may underlie cleft palate in some patients. Summary: Epithelial transcription factor GRHL2 is required for face closure while mesenchymal transcription factor ZEB1 is required for palate closure. Surprisingly, animals lacking both factors close their face and secondary palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R Carpinelli
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Michael E de Vries
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Alana Auden
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Tariq Butt
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Zihao Deng
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Darren D Partridge
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Lee B Miles
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Smitha R Georgy
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Jody J Haigh
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Charbel Darido
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Stephen M Jane
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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14
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Nicklason E, Mack H, Beltz J, Jacob J, Farahani M, Colville D, Savige J. Corneal endothelial cell abnormalities in X-linked Alport syndrome. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:13-19. [PMID: 32159412 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2019.1709126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: X-linked Alport syndrome results from the effect of COL4A5 mutations on basement membranes in the kidney, ear and eye. This study investigated individuals with X-linked Alport syndrome for corneal abnormalities.Patients and Methods: Six men and four women from 8 families with genetically-diagnosed X-linked Alport syndrome underwent ophthalmological examination including slit lamp examination and corneal endothelial specular microscopy. Results for corneal microscopy for men and women with X-linked disease were compared separately with the mean values for age- matched normals using the student's t test.Results: Five of the 6 men had end-stage kidney failure, all 6 had a hearing loss, three had lenticonus, and three had a central fleck retinopathy. Two men had a history of recurrent corneal erosions but no evidence of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. None of the four women had kidney failure, but two had a hearing loss, and two had a central fleck retinopathy. One woman, whose son had recurrent corneal erosions, also had erosions, but no features of a posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy.Corneal specular microscopy demonstrated abnormalities in affected men and women, with larger endothelial cells (p = .0001 in men, p = .004 in women) fewer 6-sided cells (p = .0001, p = .001 respectively) and reduced cell density (p = .03, p = .02 respectively) than normal.Conclusions: Recurrent corneal erosions are common in men and women with X-linked Alport syndrome, but posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy is rare. The abnormal corneal endothelial cells in affected men and women are consistent with an abnormal Descemet membrane, and the reduced cell density resembles the reduced podocyte numbers found in the Alport glomerulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Nicklason
- Department of Medicine (Melbourne Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Heather Mack
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Beltz
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julie Jacob
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mina Farahani
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Deb Colville
- Department of Medicine (Melbourne Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Judy Savige
- Department of Medicine (Melbourne Health), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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15
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Alterations in GRHL2-OVOL2-ZEB1 axis and aberrant activation of Wnt signaling lead to altered gene transcription in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. Exp Eye Res 2019; 188:107696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Coincidental Occurrence of Schnyder Corneal Dystrophy and Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy Type 3. Cornea 2019; 38:758-760. [PMID: 30950897 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000001930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a simultaneous occurrence of 2 rare corneal dystrophies. METHODS A 30-year-old man with a family history of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 3 (PPCD3) was invited for ophthalmic examination. Sanger sequencing of the coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of disease-associated genes, ZEB1 and UBIAD1, was performed. RESULTS The clinical findings suggested co-occurrence of PPCD3 and Schnyder corneal dystrophy in the proband. This dual diagnosis was supported by genetic findings. He was identified to carry a previously reported heterozygous nonsense mutation in ZEB1: c.2157C>G; p.(Tyr719*), and a novel heterozygous missense mutation in UBIAD1: c.569T>C; p.(Ile190Thr). The mother of the proband only carried c.2157C>G in ZEB1, and slit-lamp examination of her corneas showed endothelial lesions characteristic of PPCD3. The sister of the proband carried c.569T>C in UBIAD1 and had corneal crystal deposition in her anterior stroma consistent with the diagnosis of Schnyder corneal dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the coincidental occurrence of 2 rare and genetically distinct corneal dystrophies in a single patient. Furthermore, it highlights the need to perform comprehensive phenotyping in combination with appropriate genetic diagnostic testing to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
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17
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Davidson AE, Hafford-Tear NJ, Dudakova L, Sadan AN, Pontikos N, Hardcastle AJ, Tuft SJ, Liskova P. CUGC for posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 28:126-131. [PMID: 31201376 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Name of the disease (synonyms) CUGC for posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD).OMIM# of the disease 122000; 609141; 618031.Name of the analysed genes or DNA/chromosome segments OVOL2 (PPCD1); ZEB1 (PPCD3); GRHL2 (PPCD4).OMIM# of the gene(s) 616441; 189909; 608576. Review of the analytical and clinical validity as well as of the clinical utility of DNA-based testing for variants in theOVOL2, ZEB1andGRHL2gene(s) in a diagnostic setting, predictive and parental settings and for risk assesment in relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lubica Dudakova
- First Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Stephen J Tuft
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Petra Liskova
- First Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, 128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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18
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The utility of massively parallel sequencing for posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 3 molecular diagnosis. Exp Eye Res 2019; 182:160-166. [PMID: 30851240 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the molecular genetic cause of disease in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) probands of diverse origin and to assess the utility of massively parallel sequencing in the detection of ZEB1 mutations. We investigated a total of 12 families (five British, four Czech, one Slovak and two Swiss). Ten novel and two recurrent disease-causing mutations in ZEB1, were identified in probands by Sanger (n = 5), exome (n = 4) and genome (n = 3) sequencing. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutations detected by massively parallel sequencing, and to perform segregation analysis. Genome sequencing revealed that one proband harboured a novel ∼0.34 Mb heterozygous de novo deletion spanning exons 1-7 and part of exon 8. Transcript analysis confirmed that the ZEB1 transcript is detectable in blood-derived RNA samples and that the disease-associated variant c.482-2A>G leads to aberrant pre-mRNA splicing. De novo mutations, which are a feature of PPCD3, were found in the current study with an incidence rate of at least 16.6%. In general, massively parallel sequencing is a time-efficient way to detect PPCD3-associated mutations and, importantly, genome sequencing enables the identification of full or partial heterozygous ZEB1 deletions that can evade detection by both Sanger and exome sequencing. These findings contribute to our understanding of PPCD3, for which currently, 49 pathogenic variants have been identified, all of which are predicted to be null alleles.
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19
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Edwards LA, Kim S, Madany M, Nuno M, Thomas T, Li A, Berel D, Lee BS, Liu M, Black KL, Fan X, Zhang W, Yu JS. ZEB1 Is a Transcription Factor That Is Prognostic and Predictive in Diffuse Gliomas. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1199. [PMID: 30705664 PMCID: PMC6345215 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To address the unmet medical need to better prognosticate patients with diffuse gliomas and to predict responses to chemotherapy regimens. Methods: ZEB1 alterations were retrospectively identified from a cohort of 1,160 diffuse glioma patients. Epigenome-wide association scans (EWAS) were performed on available data. We determined the utility of ZEB1 as a prognostic indicator of patient survival in diffuse gliomas and assessed the value of ZEB1 to predict the efficacy of treating diffuse glioma patients with procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine along with radiation at diagnosis. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine if ZEB1 added benefit to clinical decision-making over and above conventional methods. Results: Fifteen percent of diffuse glioma patients had a ZEB1 deletion. ZEB1 deletion was associated with poor overall survival (OS) with and without adjustment for age and tumor grade (adjusted HR: 4.25; 95% CI: 2.35 to 7.66; P < 0.001). Decision curve analysis confirmed that ZEB1 status with or without IDH1 was more beneficial to clinical decision making than conventional information such as age and tumor grade. We showed that ZEB1 regulates TERT expression, and patients with ZEB1 deletions likely subsume patients with mutant TERT expression in diffuse gliomas. ZEB1 influenced clinical decision making to initiate procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine treatment. Conclusion: We demonstrate the prognostic value of ZEB1 in diffuse glioma patients. We further determine ZEB1 to be a vital and influential molecular marker in clinical decisions that exceed conventional methods regarding whether to treat or not treat patients with diffuse glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincoln A Edwards
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sungjin Kim
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mecca Madany
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Miriam Nuno
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tom Thomas
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Aiguo Li
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dror Berel
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bong-Sup Lee
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Minzhi Liu
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Keith L Black
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xuemo Fan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John S Yu
- Neurosurgery Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Effect of Posterior Corneal Vesicles on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Anisometropic Amblyopia. Cornea 2018; 37:813-817. [PMID: 29757851 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000001612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of corneal vesicles in patients with posterior corneal vesicles (PCV) on corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density and the acquisition of amblyopia. METHODS In this retrospective study of patients with PCV (18 eyes of 14 patients), CEC density was examined by noncontact specular microscopy during each follow-up examination. Best-corrected visual acuity and the objective refractive error were also examined. RESULTS Of the 14 total patients, 10 were diagnosed with PCV and 4 were diagnosed with bilateral suspected PCV or posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), and in all patients, no ocular abnormality other than corneal vesicles was observed. In patients with PCV and patients with bilateral suspected PCV or PPCD, mean CEC density was 1131 ± 338 and 1095 ± 492 cells/mm, respectively. In both PCV group and the bilateral suspected PCV or PPCD-group patients who were followed for 164.2 ± 25.4 months (range: 123-186 months), CEC density tended not to decrease. In patients with PCV, the mean best-corrected visual acuity of the unaffected eyes was significantly higher than that of the affected eyes with corneal vesicles (-0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.05 ± 0.13, respectively, P = 0.012). Four of 9 affected eyes (1 eye was excluded because of retinal atrophy) exhibited amblyopia, and all 4 eyes had astigmatism higher than 2 diopters. CONCLUSIONS Although CEC density of patients with PCV in this study was found to be stable over a long-term follow-up period, strict attention should be given to the possibility of amblyopia in eyes with PCV.
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21
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Liskova P, Dudakova L, Evans CJ, Rojas Lopez KE, Pontikos N, Athanasiou D, Jama H, Sach J, Skalicka P, Stranecky V, Kmoch S, Thaung C, Filipec M, Cheetham ME, Davidson AE, Tuft SJ, Hardcastle AJ. Ectopic GRHL2 Expression Due to Non-coding Mutations Promotes Cell State Transition and Causes Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy 4. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:447-459. [PMID: 29499165 PMCID: PMC5985340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In a large family of Czech origin, we mapped a locus for an autosomal-dominant corneal endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy 4 (PPCD4), to 8q22.3-q24.12. Whole-genome sequencing identified a unique variant (c.20+544G>T) in this locus, within an intronic regulatory region of GRHL2. Targeted sequencing identified the same variant in three additional previously unsolved PPCD-affected families, including a de novo occurrence that suggests this is a recurrent mutation. Two further unique variants were identified in intron 1 of GRHL2 (c.20+257delT and c.20+133delA) in unrelated PPCD-affected families. GRHL2 is a transcription factor that suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is a direct transcriptional repressor of ZEB1. ZEB1 mutations leading to haploinsufficiency cause PPCD3. We previously identified promoter mutations in OVOL2, a gene not normally expressed in the corneal endothelium, as the cause of PPCD1. OVOL2 drives mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) by directly inhibiting EMT-inducing transcription factors, such as ZEB1. Here, we demonstrate that the GRHL2 regulatory variants identified in PPCD4-affected individuals induce increased transcriptional activity in vitro. Furthermore, although GRHL2 is not expressed in corneal endothelial cells in control tissue, we detected GRHL2 in the corneal "endothelium" in PPCD4 tissue. These cells were also positive for epithelial markers E-Cadherin and Cytokeratin 7, indicating they have transitioned to an epithelial-like cell type. We suggest that mutations inducing MET within the corneal endothelium are a convergent pathogenic mechanism leading to dysfunction of the endothelial barrier and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Liskova
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic; Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Lubica Dudakova
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic
| | - Cerys J Evans
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Karla E Rojas Lopez
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Dimitra Athanasiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Hodan Jama
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Josef Sach
- Institute of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Srobarova 50, Prague 100 34, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Skalicka
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic; Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Stranecky
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Kmoch
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline Thaung
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Martin Filipec
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, U Nemocnice 2, Prague 128 08, Czech Republic
| | - Michael E Cheetham
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alice E Davidson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Alison J Hardcastle
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
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Zakharevich M, Kattan JM, Chen JL, Lin BR, Cervantes AE, Chung DD, Frausto RF, Aldave AJ. Elucidating the molecular basis of PPCD: Effects of decreased ZEB1 expression on corneal endothelial cell function. Mol Vis 2017; 23:740-752. [PMID: 29046608 PMCID: PMC5644665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the functional role that the zinc e-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) gene, which underlies the genetic basis of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy 3 (PPCD3), plays in corneal endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and barrier function. METHODS A human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEnC-21T) was transfected with siRNA targeting ZEB1 mRNA. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and barrier assays were performed: Cell proliferation was assessed with cell counting using a hemocytometer; cell apoptosis, induced by either ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or doxorubicin treatment, was quantified by measuring cleaved caspase 3 (cCASP3) protein levels; and cell migration and barrier function were monitored with electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). RESULTS ZEB1 knockdown in HCEnC-21T cells transfected with siRNA targeting ZEB1 did not result in a significant difference in cell proliferation when compared with control. Although knockdown of ZEB1 in HCEnC-21T cells sensitized the cells to UV-induced apoptosis, ZEB1 knockdown did not alter the cells' susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis, as measured with cCASP3 protein levels, compared with controls. Similarly, no difference was observed in cell migration following ZEB1 knockdown. However, cell barrier function increased significantly following ZEB1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS The corneal endothelium in PPCD3 is characterized by morphologic, anatomic, and molecular features that are more consistent with an epithelial-like rather than an endothelial-like phenotype. Although these characteristics have been well documented, we demonstrate for the first time that susceptibility to UV-induced apoptosis and cell barrier function are significantly altered in the setting of reduced ZEB1. The significance of an altered cellular response to apoptotic stimuli and increased cell barrier function in the pathobiology of PPCD remains to be fully elucidated.
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Chaudhry A, Chung BH, Stavropoulos DJ, Araya MP, Ali A, Heon E, Chitayat D. Agenesis of the corpus callosum, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphism, and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy associated with ZEB1 gene deletion. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:2467-2471. [PMID: 28742278 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We report on a girl diagnosed prenatally with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) on fetal ultrasound and MRI. On postnatal follow-up she was noted to have developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, autism spectrum disorder, and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPD). Array-comparative genomic hybridization analysis (Array-CGH) showed a 2.05 Mb de novo interstitial deletion at 10p11.23p11.22. The deleted region overlaps 1 OMIM Morbid Map gene, ZEB1 (the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox transcription factor 1), previously associated with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy type 3 (PPCD3). To our best knowledge this is the first reported case with a deletion of the ZEB1 gene in an individual with ACC and PPD, showing that the haploinsufficiency of the ZEB1 is likely the cause of our patient's phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayeshah Chaudhry
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Chung
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dimitri J Stavropoulos
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Genome Diagnostics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcela P Araya
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Asim Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Chitayat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Chung DD, Frausto RF, Lin BR, Hanser EM, Cohen Z, Aldave AJ. Transcriptomic Profiling of Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3202-3214. [PMID: 28654985 PMCID: PMC5488878 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the molecular basis of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) by examining the PPCD transcriptome and the effect of decreased ZEB1 expression on corneal endothelial cell (CEnC) gene expression. Methods Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses of corneal endothelium from two PPCD-affected individuals (one with PPCD3 and one of unknown genetic cause) compared with two age-matched controls, and primary human CEnC (pHCEnC) transfected with siRNA-mediated ZEB1 knockdown. The expression of selected differentially expressed genes was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and/or assessed by in situ hybridization in the corneal endothelium of four independent cases of PPCD (one with PPCD3 and three of unknown genetic cause). Results Expression of 16% and 46% of the 104 protein-coding genes specific to ex vivo corneal endothelium was lost in the endothelium of two individuals with PPCD. Thirty-two genes associated with ZEB1 and 3 genes (BMP4, CCND1, ZEB1) associated with OVOL2 were differentially expressed in the same direction in both individuals with PPCD. Immunohistochemistry staining and RNA-seq analyses demonstrated variable expression of type IV collagens in PPCD corneas. Decreasing ZEB1 expression in pHCEnC altered expression of 711 protein-coding genes, many of which are associated with canonical pathways regulating various cellular processes. Conclusions Identification of the altered transcriptome in PPCD and in a cell-based model of PPCD provided insight into the molecular alterations characterizing PPCD. Further study of the differentially expressed genes associated with ZEB1 and OVOL2 is expected to identify candidate genes for individuals with PPCD and without a ZEB1 or OVOL2 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug D Chung
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ricardo F Frausto
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Benjamin R Lin
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Evelyn M Hanser
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Zack Cohen
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Anthony J Aldave
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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25
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Active transforming growth factor-β2 in the aqueous humor of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175509. [PMID: 28414732 PMCID: PMC5393593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of corneal endothelial cells. It was shown that TGF-β2 present in aqueous humor (AH) could help maintaining the corneal endothelium in a G1-phase-arrest state. We wanted to determine whether the levels of this protein are changed in AH of PPCD patients. Methods We determined the concentrations of active TGF-β2 in the AH of 29 PPCD patients (42 samples) and 40 cadaver controls (44 samples) by ELISA. For data analysis the PPCD patients were divided based on either the molecular genetic cause of their disease as PPCD1 (37 samples), PPCD3 (1 sample) and PPCDx (not linked to a known PPCD loci, 4 samples) or on the presence (17 samples) or absence (25 samples) of secondary glaucoma or on whether they had undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PK, 32 samples) or repeated PK (rePK, 7 samples). Results The level of active TGF-β2 in the AH of all PPCD patients (mean ± SD; 386.98 ± 114.88 pg/ml) in comparison to the control group (260.95 ± 112.43 pg/ml) was significantly higher (P = 0.0001). Compared to the control group, a significantly higher level of active TGF-β2 was found in the PPCD1 (P = 0.0005) and PPCDx (P = 0.0022) groups. Among patients the levels of active TGF-β2 were not significantly affected by gender, age, secondary glaucoma or by the progression of dystrophy when one or repeated PK were performed. Conclusion The levels of active TGF-β2 in the AH of PPCD patients are significantly higher than control values, and thus the increased levels of TGF-β2 could be a consequence of the PPCD phenotype and can be considered as another feature characterizing this disease.
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Edwards LA, Li A, Berel D, Madany M, Kim NH, Liu M, Hymowitz M, Uy B, Jung R, Xu M, Black KL, Rentsendorj A, Fan X, Zhang W, Yu JS. ZEB1 regulates glioma stemness through LIF repression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:69. [PMID: 28246407 PMCID: PMC5427900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of a stem cell regulatory gene which is aberrantly expressed in glioma and associated with patient survival would increase the understanding of the role of glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs) in the virulence of gliomas. Interrogating the genomes of over 4000 brain cancers we identified ZEB1 deletion in ~15% (grade II and III) and 50% of glioblastomas. Meta-analysis of ZEB1 copy number status in 2,988 cases of glioma revealed disruptive ZEB1 deletions associated with decreased survival. We identified ZEB1 binding sites within the LIF (stemness factor) promoter region, and demonstrate LIF repression by ZEB1. ZEB1 knockdown in GCSCs caused LIF induction commensurate with GCSC self-renewal and inhibition of differentiation. IFN-γ treatment to GCSCs induced ZEB1 expression, attenuating LIF activities. These findings implicate ZEB1 as a stem cell regulator in glioma which when deleted leads to increased stemness, tumorigenicity and shortened patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincoln A Edwards
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aiguo Li
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dror Berel
- Biostatistics Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mecca Madany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nam-Ho Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Minzhi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mitch Hymowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Uy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rachel Jung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Minlin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xuemo Fan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John S Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Chung DD, Frausto RF, Cervantes AE, Gee KM, Zakharevich M, Hanser EM, Stone EM, Heon E, Aldave AJ. Confirmation of the OVOL2 Promoter Mutation c.-307T>C in Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy 1. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169215. [PMID: 28046031 PMCID: PMC5207508 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify the genetic basis of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD) in families mapped to the PPCD1 locus and in affected individuals without ZEB1 coding region mutations. Methods The promoter, 5’ UTR, and coding regions of OVOL2 was screened in the PPCD family in which linkage analysis established the PPCD1 locus and in 26 PPCD probands who did not harbor a ZEB1 mutation. Copy number variation (CNV) analysis in the PPCD1 and PPCD3 intervals was performed on DNA samples from eight probands using aCGH. Luciferase reporter assays were performed in human corneal endothelial cells to determine the impact of the identified potentially pathogenic variants on OVOL2 promoter activity. Results OVOL2 mutation analysis in the first PPCD1-linked family demonstrated segregation of the c.-307T>C variant with the affected phenotype. In the other 26 probands screened, one heterozygous coding region variant and five promoter region heterozygous variants were identified, though none are likely pathogenic based on allele frequency. Array CGH in the PPCD1 and PPCD3 loci excluded the presence of CNV involving either OVOL2 or ZEB1, respectively. The c.-307T>C variant demonstrated increased promoter activity in corneal endothelial cells when compared to the wild-type sequence as has been demonstrated previously in another cell type. Conclusions Previously identified as the cause of PPCD1, the OVOL2 promoter variant c.-307T>C was herein identified in the original family that established the PPCD1 locus. However, the failure to identify presumed pathogenic coding or non-coding OVOL2 or ZEB1 variants, or CNV involving the PPCD1 and PPCD3 loci in 26 other PPCD probands suggests that other genetic loci may be involved in the pathogenesis of PPCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug D. Chung
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ricardo F. Frausto
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Aleck E. Cervantes
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Katherine M. Gee
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Marina Zakharevich
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Evelyn M. Hanser
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony J. Aldave
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Chung DWD, Frausto RF, Chiu S, Lin BR, Aldave AJ. Investigating the Molecular Basis of PPCD3: Characterization of ZEB1 Regulation of COL4A3 Expression. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:4136-43. [PMID: 27537263 PMCID: PMC4991021 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of the zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription factor in posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy 3 by demonstrating its ability to regulate type IV collagen gene transcription via binding to putative E2 box motifs. METHODS Putative E2 box motifs were identified by in silico analysis within the promoter region of collagen, type IV, alpha3 (COL4A3) and collagen, type IV, alpha4 (COL4A4). To test the ability of ZEB1 to bind to each identified E2 box, electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed by incubating ZEB1-enriched nuclear extracts with DIG-labeled probes containing one of each of the identified E2 box motifs. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to test the effects of ZEB1 on the luciferase activity of COL4A3 and cadherin 1 (CDH1) promoter constructs, and to determine the effect of a ZEB1 truncating mutation on CDH1 promoter activity. RESULTS ZEB1 exhibited binding to six of the nine COL4A3 E2 box probes, whereas no binding was observed for either of the two COL4A4 E2 box probes. ZEB1 overexpression resulted in reduced activity of the COL4A3 promoter construct containing all identified E2 box motifs, whereas a truncating ZEB1 mutation led to the loss of ZEB1-dependent repression of the CDH1 promoter. CONCLUSIONS COL4A3 gene expression is negatively regulated by ZEB1 binding to E2 box motifs in the COL4A3 promoter region. Therefore, the altered expression of type IV collagens, particularly COL4A3, in the corneal endothelium in individuals with PPCD3 is likely due to reduced transcriptional repression in the setting of a single functional ZEB1 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duk-Won D. Chung
- Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ricardo F. Frausto
- Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Stephan Chiu
- Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Benjamin R. Lin
- Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Anthony J. Aldave
- Stein Eye Institute David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
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29
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Chae H, Kim M, Kim Y, Kim J, Kwon A, Choi H, Park J, Jang W, Lee YS, Park SH, Kim MS. Mutational spectrum of Korean patients with corneal dystrophy. Clin Genet 2016; 89:678-89. [PMID: 26748743 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corneal dystrophy typically refers to a group of rare hereditary disorders with a heterogeneous genetic background. A comprehensive molecular genetic analysis was performed to characterize the genetic spectrum of corneal dystrophies in Korean patients. Patients with various corneal dystrophies underwent thorough ophthalmic examination, histopathologic examination, and Sanger sequencing. A total of 120 probands were included, with a mean age of 50 years (SD = 18 years) and 70% were female. A total of 26 mutations in five genes (14 clearly pathogenic and 12 likely pathogenic) were identified in 49 probands (41%). Epithelial-stromal TGFBI dystrophies, macular corneal dystrophy and Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) showed 100% mutation detection rates, while endothelial corneal dystrophies showed lower detection rates of 3%. Twenty six non-duplicate mutations including eight novel mutations were identified and mutations associated with SCD were identified genetically for the first time in this population. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the genetic aberrations in Korean patients and also highlights the diagnostic value of molecular genetic analysis in corneal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Chae
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - M Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Y Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - J Kim
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - A Kwon
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - H Choi
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - J Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - W Jang
- Catholic Genetic Laboratory Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Y S Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - S H Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - M S Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Davidson A, Liskova P, Evans C, Dudakova L, Nosková L, Pontikos N, Hartmannová H, Hodaňová K, Stránecký V, Kozmík Z, Levis H, Idigo N, Sasai N, Maher G, Bellingham J, Veli N, Ebenezer N, Cheetham M, Daniels J, Thaung C, Jirsova K, Plagnol V, Filipec M, Kmoch S, Tuft S, Hardcastle A. Autosomal-Dominant Corneal Endothelial Dystrophies CHED1 and PPCD1 Are Allelic Disorders Caused by Non-coding Mutations in the Promoter of OVOL2. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:75-89. [PMID: 26749309 PMCID: PMC4716680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy 1 (CHED1) and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy 1 (PPCD1) are autosomal-dominant corneal endothelial dystrophies that have been genetically mapped to overlapping loci on the short arm of chromosome 20. We combined genetic and genomic approaches to identify the cause of disease in extensive pedigrees comprising over 100 affected individuals. After exclusion of pathogenic coding, splice-site, and copy-number variations, a parallel approach using targeted and whole-genome sequencing facilitated the identification of pathogenic variants in a conserved region of the OVOL2 proximal promoter sequence in the index families (c.−339_361dup for CHED1 and c.−370T>C for PPCD1). Direct sequencing of the OVOL2 promoter in other unrelated affected individuals identified two additional mutations within the conserved proximal promoter sequence (c.−274T>G and c.−307T>C). OVOL2 encodes ovo-like zinc finger 2, a C2H2 zinc-finger transcription factor that regulates mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and acts as a direct transcriptional repressor of the established PPCD-associated gene ZEB1. Interestingly, we did not detect OVOL2 expression in the normal corneal endothelium. Our in vitro data demonstrate that all four mutated OVOL2 promoters exhibited more transcriptional activity than the corresponding wild-type promoter, and we postulate that the mutations identified create cryptic cis-acting regulatory sequence binding sites that drive aberrant OVOL2 expression during endothelial cell development. Our data establish CHED1 and PPCD1 as allelic conditions and show that CHED1 represents the extreme of what can be considered a disease spectrum. They also implicate transcriptional dysregulation of OVOL2 as a common cause of dominantly inherited corneal endothelial dystrophies.
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